MERRIE MILE OFFERS SUGGESTED PRIZE MONEY AND NEW RECORD BONUSES

HONOLULU (Dec. 04) — Already one of the most prestigious road races in the U.S., the Kalakaua Merrie Mile is now its most lucrative, race organizers announced Tuesday that the winner of the Dec. 7 event will receive $7,500, the most for any American road race. per mile. That’s a total prize pool of $18,000: 2023 $10,000 unique mixed-gender race featuring 11 Olympians. The pro women’s field will have a 32-second advantage over the men, with prize money awarded based on a top-5 finish. Runner-up receives $5,000 , followed by $3,000 for third, $1,500 fourth, and $1,000 for fifth.(A woman has yet to win the event, but that could change as this year’s chapter is the longest yet).

In addition to the overall prize money, the race offers bonuses of $10,000 for the world record and $5,000 for the U.S. record.The current world records are 3:51.3 by Great Britain’s Elliott Giles, set last September, and 4:20.98. by Diribe Velteji of Ethiopia, 2023 World Athletics Road Runners Jared Nuguz (3:51.9) and Nikki Hiltz (4:28.0) hold the US records in winning the title.

“The increase in prize money at the Kalakaua Merrie Mile recognizes the incredible contributions of world-class athletes to this incredible event,” said Dr. Jim Barahal, president of the Honolulu Marathon Association, which participates in the race. we want to reward and continue to work with the best athletes in the world for many years.”

The race was first held in conjunction with the Honolulu Marathon in 2016 and quickly became a popular event, attracting Olympians and international stars from around the world. Nine months after winning last year’s race, Nuguse won the bronze medal in the 1500 meters in Paris.

“I really love getting the athletes down to Honolulu for KMM. it’s the best way to end our year and celebrate a successful year,” said coach and agent Stephen Haas, who represents five athletes in this year’s race. “The Honolulu Marathon team has really helped my athletes grow in the sport by giving them a great opportunity here every year to run some of the best athletes in the world. We are excited about this year’s race and look forward to putting on a good show for everyone who comes out to watch.”

The race includes a World Athletics certified course along the Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.In addition to the professional field, approximately 2,500 citizen runners will participate. Live coverage will begin Saturday at 7:30 am local time (12:30 pm ET) on the Honolulu Marathon YouTube channel (12:30 pm EST).

Hiltz, the US indoor and outdoor 1,500m champion, will continue this year’s Merrie Mile after finishing fifth overall last year.The women’s field also includes Kenya’s Susan Ejor-Sanders, sixth in the 1,500m at the Paris Olympics. Games (one place ahead of Hiltz), as well as American Olympians Emily Mackay, Heather McLean and Wayne Kelatin; Irish Olympian Sophie O’Sullivan and Japanese Olympian Nozomi Tanaka Rounding out the field is Sinclair Johnson, the 2022 U.S. champion in the 1,500, who finished fourth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.

They are being chased by several Olympians in the men’s field, including Americans Hobbs Kessler (2023 track and field world motoring champion), Bryce Hoppel and Nico Young; Australian Oliver Hoare; and Great Britain’s Neil Gourley, winner of the 2022 Merrie Mile. Also in the mix will be Australia’s Jack Anstey, Kenya’s Festus Lagat and last year’s runner-up Vince Siatey, who finished fourth at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June.

“The Kalakaua Merrie Mile is one of my favorite events of the year. There is no better athlete experience,” said Siattey. investment in the sport. I looked forward to my first chance at the Merrie Mile all fall last year, and it’s even more motivating to come back and compete for higher prize money this year. was”.